Khadse, Collector spar over code

On the other hand, Khadse said it has been brought to his notice not only by the workers of the Sena-BJP, but also by opposition parties that there were excesses while implementing the code of conduct. "In theirenthusiasm, the officials of the local branch removed even the boards of leading doctors and apolitical organisations in the town. They removed the boards of Vishwa Hindu Parishad, Bajrang Dal and Rashtriya Swayam Sewak Sangh," Khadse said.

Secondly, Eknath Khadse alleged that the officials removed the board of Bharatiya Janata Party from its authorised office. "I was shocked when it was brought to my notice that the board of BJP was also taken away by the officials," he said.

An agitated Khadse said several marriages had to be either cancelled or postponed as the district administration took objection on their venues."Their objection was that such functions could not be held in the premises or halls of aided educational institutions," he pointed out.

Above all, Khadse said his police protection, which was granted to him ever since he was inducted into the cabinet, has been withdrawn. The Irrigation minister added that there was an attack on him on January 22. "Congress workers returning from the rallySonia Gandhi attacked him and also made an attempt to snatch a revolver of his personal body guard," he alleged.

On the other hand, while Chief Electoral Officer D K Shankaran said he has not received any complaint either from the Minister of the BJP, Sounik said there was absolutely no substance in the charges levelled by the Irrigation Minister.

"I have explained the provisions of the code of conduct to the Minister and I do not think that there is any inappropriate exercise of power by any of the officials in the district," she claimed.

In fact, the Jalgaon Collector said when the elections were declared, she had officially written to all political parties to submit a list of their offices in the city. "There was absolutely no response from them," she said. Sounik also denied that the name plates or boards of any of the doctors were removed by the officials. "I have videographed all the operations undertaken by the department after the elections were declared," she said.

The Jalgaon Collector saidshe had asked all the educational institutions to ensure that their premises were not used by political parties without the prior permission of the election as well as local police station officials.

Sounik said it was unfortunate that the political parties have accused the district administration of misuse of powers under the pretext of code of conduct.

"I feel that it is unfair to cast aspersions on the officials," Sounik remarked.